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UNIBEN Graduates 20,630 In Combined Convocation, 385 Earn First Class

November 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Vice-Chancellor, (VC) University of Benin, (UNIBEN), Prof. Lilian Salami has announced that 385 undergraduates are to earn First Class Honours during its combined 49th/50th convocation scheduled for between Wednesday and Saturday.

The VC announced this on Monday in Benin during a news conference to herald the convocation ceremony, which is expected to produce a total of 20,630 graduates for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions.

She said the award of first degrees would hold on Wednesday while that of higher degrees would come up on Saturday.

Prof Salami, said out of the numbers, 10,609 graduated for 2021/2022 session while 10,021 graduated for 2022/2023 session.

She also announced conferment of professors Emeritus on seven distinguished academics as well on the university’s honourary degrees on three Nigerian personalities.

“It is gratifying to state that the university of Benin continues to beam its searchlight internally and nationwide to identify and honour distinguished personalities found worthy to be conferred with the recognition as Professors Emeritus and Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

“Seven distinguished Professors have been approved by the Senate of the University to be recipients of the honour of Professors Emeritus at this year’s convocation.”

The recipients of honourary degrees, according to her, include Chief Leemon Ikpea, an Oil, Gas and construction company magnate, who would be conferred with Doctor of Business Administration.

She said Dr Kingsley Momodu; an alumnus and renowned dentist, would be conferred with Doctor of Science and a foremost entrepreneur and Chairman, VESA Fisheries, Mrs Veronica Igbe, would tbe honoured with Doctor of Business Administration.

Salami, who said the convocation ceremony would be her last as the vice-chancellor of the school, recounted her achievements throughout the five year tenure at the ivory tower.

She said the milestone achievements included establishment of Information Communications Technology/Central Research Processing Unit (ICT/CRPU) and Centre For Educational Technology (CET)

“Management of the University has not relented in the efforts to re-position the Institution in the top hierarchy of Institutions of global reckoning.

“In this regard, the University has acquired over 100 additional desktop computers for computer-based examinations for the ICT Centre and 200 Desk-tops and lap-top computers distributed across departments and units to facilitate cutting-edge technology-driven assignments.

“These are aided by the provision of internet services, some of which are undertaken directly by many of the faculties.

“The ICT Unit, in the Vice Chancellor’s Office, now successfully deploys electronic voting in any election for which such mode is required.”

AFCON 2025: Against Amavubi, Super Eagles Set For Maximum Point

Akinwale Kasali

November 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will go all out for victory against the Amavubis of Rwanda today at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, even with its leadership of group D and a ticket to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco secured.

Augustine Eguavoen, Head Coach of the Team, said that his players are gunning for the maximum point despite qualification for the continental showpiece in Morocco next summer secured.

The three-time African champions are determined to sustain their recent form and spirit ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that resume in four months, and Coach Eguavoen believes the absence of grieving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Olaoluwa Aina and in-form forward Ademola Lookman will not stop their momentum.

First-choice goalkeeper Nwabali has been excused from camp to visit family and relations following the passing of his father, and English Premier League side Nottingham Forest begged for wing-back Olaoluwa Aina to be allowed to fly back to the United Kingdom for a crucial tie, with Nigeria already qualified for the AFCON.

In form Ademola Lookman, with two goals in the qualifiers like team mate Victor Osimhen, suffered a knock in the front end of this window’s double-header, against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan on Thursday, and left camp on Saturday.

The Super Eagles are not unaware of the fact that the Amavubi are in the same 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with them, and that they (Rwanda) are the next opponents when the World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in March 2025.

Today’s encounter will see the return of former number one safe hands, Maduka Okoye, and Bright Osayi-Samuel could start at right wing-back in the absence of Aina, with Bruno Onyemaechi at left wing-back, and Captain William Ekong and Calvin Bassey at centre-back.

Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika are still the options in the middle.

Osimhen, whose goal earned the one point in Abidjan that took Nigeria to the top of the pool, will hope to score against the Amavubi, having come quite close a number of times when he joined the fray as a second-half substitute in Kigali in September. He also has the target of overtaking former captain Olusegun Odegbami on the goals’ tally for Nigeria.

The absence of Lookman means so much will be expected from fit-fighting and usually-dependable Moses Simon, with Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface all in the race for slots in the fore.

Kebbi Understudies Indonesia’s System Of Education For Almajiris

Ayodele Oni

November 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Kebbi State Government has announced that it will adopt Indonesia’s method to tackle the issue of education for the almajiris.

The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Sani Aliyu, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, that a State Government’s delegation recently visited Indonesia to learn from their system of education.

Aliyu said, ”Gov. Nasir had recently led a delegation to Indonesia on the invitation of Zakkat World Conference. We were there to see another form of education and that is education that is related to our Almajiri system of education.

He added that the Governor used the opportunity to strengthen partnership with the Indonesian Government on some useful sectors of the economy.

“We visited a lot of schools. Imagine, we saw a school with about 15,000 pupils and none of them is on the street begging for alms. The school is not being controlled 100 per cent by the government.

“It is being controlled by the community and the pupils are being taught different kinds of entrepreneurship and businesses. They work to maintain themselves, taking care of their feeding, accommodation, clothing and the rest.”

According to him, some of the pupils were enrolled in the system from primary school, while some right from kindergarten stage to university stage, adding that some of them did not even know their parents.

“Those who knew their parents, they might not see their parents for a whole year when they are studying at the school, their parents may not visit them for a year. But if you see these children, they are healthy, happy and when you see them, you will think they are children of them

“They were all well taken care of. Even the meal they served us was the same meal these children are eating.

“I am telling you this so that you will know that we were not in Indonesia for just a mere visit, but to observe how their system is working for them and how we could tap for the best of our societal transformation.”

On whether Nigeria’s Muslim population contributed to the Almajiri challenge, the commissioner said, “Our population is never a challenge. This is when compared to Indonesia with over 95 per cent population of Muslims. It is the largest populated Muslim country in the world.

“It has the fourth largest Mosque in the world. They have many things Muslims across the world could emulate.”

Actress Tope Osoba Undergoes Cancer Surgery, Seeks Financial Assistance

Akinwale Kasali

November 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood Actress, Tope Osoba, has successfully undergone a breast cancer surgery.

The Actress who has been battling Breast Cancer recently appeared on Biola Adebayo’s Podcast, ‘Talk To B’, where she lamented that she has been neglected, as Movie Producers and Directors of Yoruba Genre have stopped calling her for Movie Jobs.

She took to her Instagram Page to appreciate some of her colleagues and Nigerians who contributed financially towards the success of the Breast Cancer Surgery.

She, however, solicited for more funds for her chemotherapy sessions.

Her Senior colleague, Foluke Daramola, in a viral Instagram post, explained that the ailing actress has undergone one surgery but needs an additional procedure to remove the remaining particles from her breast.

Sharing a video of Osoba in the hospital, Daramola stated, “She needs about N12 million for the second surgery to be able to get back on her feet.”

In a new trending clip, Osoba appreciated those who supported her for the first surgery and solicited for continued assistance to cover the costs of the second surgery.

She appealed to colleagues and well meaning Nigerians to come to her aid for financial support.

The Account Number she dropped to solicit for Financial Assistance is 0107515251, GTB (Tope Osoba) or 1016578835, Zenith Bank (Passion Against Rape And Abuse Foundation)

Her colleagues have also sympathized with her, claiming that she kept her ordeal to herself, till it escalated to this situation.

Reacting, Wunmi Toriola, her colleague, exclaimed, “MO daran”, @Kolawole Ajeyemi wrote, “OH my God Tope”, @Opeyemi Aiyeola, “Oluwa oooo! May Jehovah Perfect Your Healing”

Abia: Gunmen Attack Lawmaker, Kill Police Officer, Severely Injure Another

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 18, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Four days after attacking a military checkpoint and killing three soldiers in Umuokpara, Umuahia South Local Council of Abia State gunmen, again, Sunday night, November 17, ambushed and attacked the convoy of a Labour Party House of Representatives Member, Hon Ginger Onwusibe.

The attack which occurred at about 9.00am in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government, resulted in the killing of one of the police officers attached to the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa South / North Federal Constituency of the Abia State, and another seriously injured.

The attack comes on the heels of Abia State Government’s warning that it will not sit by idly and watch some reactionary forces disrupt the fragile peace of the State.

The Source reports that early Wednesday morning, November 13, some armed hoodlums had stormed a military checkpoint at Ekenobisi Umuokpara, around the border between Abia and Imo states, shot and killed three soldiers on duty, before dismantling the security checkpoint.

In the video clip of the attack, the gunmen were seen throwing away the sand bags used for checkpoint, as well as issuing threats both to the State Governor and Security Agencies.

According to witnesses’ accounts, the Lawmaker, Hon Onwusibe ,who represents Governor Alex Otti’s constituency at the National Assembly was, however, not in the convoy at the time of the attack.

The gunmen who wore police bullet proof vests blocked the Federal legislator’s convoy with one of their operational vehicles – a Toyota Corolla.

The gunmen reportedly started shooting sporadically on sighting the Police Officers in the convoy, killing one of them, before fleeing the scene.

It is not yet clear as to the motives of the ambush and attack. But there are strong indications that it was targeted at the Lawmaker, a close ally of Governor Otti.

Although as at the time of reporting, neither the police nor the Lawmaker has reacted to the development, a security source however revealed that investigation is underway to ascertain the actual circumstances surrounding the latest security breach within the state capital.

It was also gathered that security agencies have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators the same way efforts are on to track down the killers of the solders last Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma on Sunday November 17 ,the state Government, noted that credible intelligence at its disposal has established that some unpatriotic politicians, working in concert with some external forces are behind the spate of violent crimes in the state since May this year.

The overriding agenda, according to the State authorities to cause disaffection, and distract the Government from its focus on the development of the State.

“This strategy kicked in as they ( opposition) realized that their initial efforts at churning out lies and fabrications against the Government in pretentious posturing as opposition has failed to gain currency amongst Abia people who have thoroughly ignored them and their antics since they know the truth.

“While the Abia State Government is one that is known and acknowledged locally,and internationally as peace loving ,it must be noted that we will not yield to blackmail or intimidation.

“It needs to be understood that the Government will not sit by idly and watch. any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace loving citizens of the state.

“Having sworn to an oath to protect the lives and properties of Abians ,including every inch of Abia territory, the Government wishes to declare that those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians, including kidnappings of law a abiding citizens with a view to creating anarchy and instill fear in the minds of Abians and visitors after their failure to use lies and Propaganda to incite Abians, should understand that the Government will bring its capacity and institutional forces to bear in order to smoke them out”, part of the Government statement reads.

Playing Politics With Abia Security Dangerous, PDP Warns Gov Otti

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 18, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged Governor Alex Otti to stop blaming perceived political foes for the poor security situation in the State, but to collaborate with Security Agencies to protect the lives and properties of the people.

The PDP’s position comes in the wake of the Abia State Government’s accusation of the opposition as being responsible for the spate of violent criminal activities rocking the State since May this year.

In a statement issued late on Sunday, November 17, 2024, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor’s Media Adviser, the State Government noted that intelligence at his disposal has established that some opposition forces working in tandem with external enablers are behind the orchestrated moves to disrupt the peace of the State.

It alleged that the opposition having failed to incite Abians through propaganda, has turned to instigating violence with the ultimate aim of distracting the Government on its mandate of providing democracy dividends to the people.

It warned that it will henceforth deal decisively with anybody or group of persons found to be creating fear in the minds of innocent and law abiding residents of Abia state

But the PDP in a statement on Monday, November 18, from its spokesperson Eric Ikwugwu, warned that playing politics with the security of lives and properties of Abians by the State Government will only be counterproductive and dangerous.

The Party noted that what is needed to combat the disturbing security situation in the state is a comprehensive framework beyond mere rhetorics.

“It is crucial that Governor Otti’s administration does not sow seed of discord among the people of Abia State.

“Instead, we call on the Government to work collaboratively with security agencies and provide them with any concrete evidence that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings of innocent citizens .

“Playing politics with the lives of Abians is not only counterproductive, but dangerous.

“We want to remind the current administration that combating insecurity demands strategies beyond mere declarations.

The former Governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, understood the vital link between poverty and insecurity. He empowered over 7000 Abians monthly, recognizing that economic stability is a proactive approach to mitigating violence and crime.

“We appeal to Governor Alex Otti to prioritize poverty reduction initiatives and engage all stakeholders, including community leaders and traditional rulers in addressing these challenges head-on .

“The opposition’s constitutional responsibility is to provide constructive criticisms and present alternative perspectives without fear of intimidation.

“It is not only right but our duty to hold the Government accountable. We insist that Governor Otti’s administration, must take the necessary steps to address the worsening security situation with sincerity and integrity, rather than resorting to slanderous campaigns against perceived opponents”, part of the PDP statement reads.

The Source reports that the Governor’s allegations were provoked by the gruesome attack and murder of some solders at a military checkpoint in Umuokpara, Umuahia South local Council on Wednesday November 13 ,as well as the earlier killings of five soldiers in May 2024 at a military checkpoint in.Obikabia Junction Aba North Local Government.

Bwala: Mr President, I Am Ashamed Of Your Action – Onokpasa

Akinwale Kasali

November 18, 2024

Jesuta Onokpasa and Daniel Bwala and Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

“Mr President, you discarded your supporters, you dumped us for who? Bwala. Let me tell you, the person that discards his fellow man, that is how God will discard the person.”

A die-hard supporter of President Bola Tinubu, Jesuta Onokpasa, a Lawyer, has come down hard on the President for his recent appointment of Daniel Bwala as Presidential Adviser on Media.

Bwala, a visible member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, dramatically quit the Party in the months running to the 2023 Presidential Election in protest against the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate. He said it was an insult on Nigeria’s Christian Community to have a Muslim- Muslim ticket. He dismissed it as a doomed ticket, and so, defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party where he was quickly appointed the Spokesperson to the Party’s Presidential Council.

He did not do the job “decently”. He rubbed s**t on Tinubu. He called then Candidate Bola Tinubu all kinds of derogatory names including a drug baron, druggist, and certificate forger!

After Tinubu became the President, Bwala did not calm down. He always painted the President in the worst of colors. In one of his famous outings he said of Tinubu’s performance as President: “Even if you give Tinubu 30 years, he still would perform woefully.”

But soon, Bwala suddenly, shamelessly, as a number of people put it, made an about-turn and began a hot romantic pursuit of President Tinubu. He became his defender-in-chief at every little opportunity. He became Mr President’s chief praise-singer. He went back to his vomit.

Last week, his about-turn paid off when President Tinubu, inexplicably, appointed him his Special Adviser on Media.

The shock which followed the appointment was palpable. To some people, the President appointed him so Bwala can publicly eat his vomit to the President’s satisfaction. The President has just mocked him, they said.

But to others, the President has stabbed those who defended him all the time Bwala reduced him to nothing. They said the President has betrayed them. And, they are ashamed of the President’s behaviour. They asked the President to fear God.

One of them is Onokpasa who, in a video recording that has gone viral, poured out his anger, with everything at his disposal on the President. He decreed God’s anger on the President, almost. And, his choice of words has been described as undignified.

Following is Onokpasa’s reaction.

“My dear President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, my very dear President, I am so angry with you.

“How could you make such an appointment -of who? Daniel Bwala? Who insulted all of us and called you a Drug Dealer, a Drug Baron? You stabbed all of us in the back, disregarded us and humiliated us by appointing someone who insulted all of us during the campaign.

“What is going on, your Excellency? What happened to you? You will attack Yahaya Bello, you will attack El Rufai, you will abandon Fani Kayode, we supported you. The people who fought us are given appointments.

I don’t need any appointment from you. My Lord Jesus Christ takes care of me anytime, anyday. That is the story of my life. I don’t need anything from you.

“But this is such a shame, that you will stab all of us in the back like this, and bring some funny character, a serpentine character, you never know where he stands.

“You gave him an appointment. On what basis? We are the ones that put you In power, we are the ones who God used.

“This is so painful, very painful. This is not how to use people, unless you don’t fear God. You just dumped your supporters, you humiliated, disgraced and discarded them. The person that discard his fellow man will be discarded by God.

“With due respect, let me teach you some theology. This is just too painful, painful to me and other supporters. This man insulted the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, called our President a Drug Dealer, and you make him What?

“The guy that has no credibility, nobody believes him. Our Party supporters don’t trust him, the people he dumped us for and went to, the PDP, don’t trust him. Obidients hate him. Then my brother, Bayo, even stooped so low to be the one to announce the appointment.

“I am really very angry. If there is anyone who opens his mouth to say that I am not a BATIST, may God punish the person. But am really disappointed in you my President.

“You gave the impression that you can dump anybody, you can sacrifice anybody, you can stab anyone in the back, how would people trust you.

“I am not interested in your appointment. I am a Lawyer, I talk about trust, that is how people live together, it is trust. People have to trust you, otherwise, you lose your credibility. Where did this come from? This is bizarre.

“Daniel Bwala who don’t have any authentic, original personality. I don’t want it, I don’t need it, I am okay, my Jesus always takes care of me. You didn’t see another person that supported us? This is so painful.

“Don’t take us for granted my President, it is unfair. That is not how to treat your fellow man, otherwise, this is how God will treat you. You don’t do that, I am really angry. It is really painful. It is an insult to all of us.

“Why should you insult your supporters who are die hard BATISTs? And you treat us all like we are expendable, well, treat your fellow man as if he is expendable? Let us see what God will do about that. It is really painful Your Excellency. So it is an insult to all of us.

“The the man started talking crap, then we had to push back on it, then you make him what? Special Adviser. What rubbish.

“Your Excellency, My President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is God that made you President. Like we say in Niger Delta, in Urhobo, ‘It is somebody you use to do something, and it is God that will use people to do something for you’. So keep dumping your people and keep romancing with messed up human beings that normal human beings can’t trust. No problem. We will see where it will all end up.

“We, the BATISTs, are really, really angry with the bizarre, macabre appointment. I don’t know who you got this funny idea from. The guy cannot do anything for you, he can’t convince anybody about anything, he lacks credibility, nobody respects him, where did you get him from?

“Why do you keep abandoning our people? You can’t see them to give appointments? You keep bringing some funny people. How do we trust you?

“You see me, I am a Catholic. We are deep people and may Our Lord Jesus Christ take care of you and our dear Country.

“I am disappointed.

May God Bless You and Nigeria. Thank you My President.”

In his own reaction, Senator Ali Ndume, said Bwala’s appointment shows President Tinubu’s forging spirit. He asked Bwala to go and beg Vice President Shettima for forgiveness.

COP29: Reps, INCLUDE Advocate Equitable Policy For Energy Transition

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 18, 2024

The Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Victor Afam Ogene, has advocated for accessible and equitable policies, including tax breaks and vocational grants to empower youth in renewable energy in African nations, especially in Nigeria.

He made this call alongside other stakeholders at a side event co-hosted by the Committee on Renewable Energy and INCLUDE, a Netherlands based knowledge platform, at the ongoing Conference of Parties, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where world leaders are gathered to discuss climate change issues.

Ogene also called for a deliberate inclusion of youths and legislators in conferences and workshops where issues involving policies regarding developments in climate change and energy transitions are discussed, for a better understanding that would engender right policy formulation and intentional youth involvement.

The side event, titled “Driving the Just Transition: Labor-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future,” according to a statement endorsed by both Hon. Ogene and Anika Altaf, PhD, Executive Director, INCLUDE, focused on actionable strategies to foster a fair and inclusive renewable energy transition in Africa. The discussions centered around labor-based incentives, youth-centered policies, and the intersection of equity, sustainability, and job creation.

Speakers at the side event included Ogene, Dr. Altaf, Victoria Manya, (Knowledge Broker, INCLUDE), Nurgul Iliazova, Professor of Economics, Bishkek State University, Kazakhstan, Farida Ally, Kenyan youth leader, Solomon Abu, a nuclear scientist and Kgaugelo Mkumbeni, research officer, Institute for Security Studies, Kenya.

Dr. Altaf in her presentation suggested mentorship programmes and international funding to authentically support youth-led renewable energy projects.

The conversations outlined a comprehensive approach to design labour incentives that not only support job creation, but also address the specific needs of young people. This includes accessible financial incentives, such as grants for youth-led startups and subsidies for skills acquisition in renewable energy industries; and policies that will integrate transparency and inclusivity to ensure equitable access.

The outcomes of the event reflected a unified approach to addressing Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities in the global energy transition.

The statement said further: “Victoria Manya set the scene for the panel’s conversation predicated on three critical points:
• Africa has pressing needs, like job creation and energy access, to address energy poverty.
• Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, so our transition must prioritize fair, localized strategies.
• For this transition to truly benefit Africa, we must base it on labour incentives that empower youth to take the lead.

“The event underscored the importance of crafting policies that resonate with young people. This involves using youth-friendly language, actively involving young voices in policy formulation, and prioritizing initiatives that align with their aspirations, such as meaningful, skill-based employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.”

The various speakers were also in agreement that “Young people are emerging as key contributors to renewable energy solutions tailored to their communities. These innovations are not only effective but scalable, demonstrating the transformative potential of youth-led technological advancements in combating climate change. Emphasis was placed on the role of AI and digital technologies in enabling this progress. Early exposure, such as teaching coding skills to children as young as eight, was highlighted as a critical step in fostering a generation capable of driving impactful solutions.”

Participants also stressed the importance of involving youths, not merely as advisors but as decision-makers in climate policy formulation.

Standardized toolkits and training programmes were identified as essential for equipping youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the renewable energy sector.

The session called for partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and private sector actors to develop and implement targetted technical and vocational training.

A critical theme in the conversation was ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities are not left behind in the renewable energy transition. Inclusive policies must address systemic inequalities by bridging access gaps, particularly for young people in underprivileged regions. This approach includes promoting social equity in labour opportunities and decision-making processes.

Global and regional collaboration,
international organizations and regional stakeholders were urged to provide authentic support for youth-led initiatives. These includes mentorship programs, direct funding for grassroots projects, and platforms for cross-sector collaboration that prioritize local solutions.

The event concluded with a call for turning discussions into actionable frameworks, including involving piloting labour-based incentives, integrating youth-focused priorities into national renewable energy policies, and leveraging global forums such as COP 2024 to amplify Africa’s voice in the energy transition.

Participants unanimously urged international organizations and regional stakeholders to provide authentic support for youth-led initiatives. This includes mentorship programmes, direct funding for grassroots projects, and platforms for cross-sector collaboration that prioritize local solutions.

Kwankwaso’s Bombshell: ‘Tinubu’ Trying To Colonize The North

James Orji

November 18, 2024

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwasiyya Movement leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has accused ‘Lagos’ of planning to colonise the north.

The former governor of Kano state made the allegation on Sunday while speaking during the convocation ceremony of Skyline University, Kano.

The former governor and 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP Presidential candidate cited the controversy surrounding the Kano Emirship tussle and the Tax Reform Bill recently sent by President Bola Tinubu to the national assembly.

Two Emirs, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Ado Bayero, are laying claims to the Emir of Kano stool. While the state is backing Sanusi, a former CBN Governor Ado Bayero is believed to have the support of the federal government. The case is till in court.

A staunch member of the NNPP recently accused Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA, of providing Ado Bayero support despite the state’s government choice of Sanusi.

According to those watching what is going on in the Commercial City, Kwankwaso is referencing President Tinubu when he said Lagos is trying to colonise the north.

The NNPP leader while lamenting the economic, security and social problems in the northern part of the country, said “Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir” noting that “Lagos young men are working so hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano” calling on the National Assembly to reject the tax bill to save the north from being cheated. .

What Kwankwason said: “Let me note our situation here in Kano and indeed northern Nigeria. The emir is just being a stooge at this very difficult time, especially in this part of the country (northern Nigeria).

“Today, we can see very clearly that there is a lot of efforts from the Lagos axis to colonize this part of the country. Today, Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir, Lagos has to come to the centre of Kano to put their own emir.”

“Today, we are aware that the Lagos young men are working so hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano and this part of the country to Lagos.

“Today, as we have seen, even the telephones that we make or register here in Kano, efforts are there to take all the taxes to Lagos.

“Even our sons and daughters who have brought factories many of them here in Kano and northern Nigeria and even banks, somehow, they are forced to take their headquarters to Lagos because taxes will now have to go to Lagos.”

The magazine reported that northern leaders, including the 19 state governors from the region, political and traditional leaders recently met in Kaduna where they rejected the controversial Tax Reform Bill and demanded its immediate withdrawal from the NASS.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has rejected their demand.

“Despite Last Minute Disqualification, I Refused Entreaties To Vote Aiyedatiwa” – LP Dep Gov Candidate

Ayodele Oni

November 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) in last Saturday’s election in Ondo state, Dayo Awude, has lamented that intrigues and crisis caused the party poor outing in the election.

Awude was the running mate of Olusola Ebiseni, who lost the primary election of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and later picked the ticket of LP.

While giving analysis on the outcome of the election, Awude stated that “My principal and I tried our best, using the Labour Party platform, but as it turned out, the intra party crisis that erupted in the party consumed that effort, leading to my name and that of our governorship candidate, Chief Sola Ebiseni, being substituted by INEC, a few hours to the election, due to an unexpected court order.

“It was an order that defied all known basic rudiments of law. That was a heart-wrenching experience. The details of the politics of that orchestrated crisis and the intrigues of the judicial processes is a story that will be told later.

“With the removal of our names as candidates came the expected volte face by our supporters. Their pain and agony were palpable.

It was on this note and as a matter of principle that I declined the last minute invitation, by a respected brother and right hand man of Governor Ayedatiwa, for me to work with them at the elections the next day.

“I believe he was acting on the instructions of the governor. It also means the governor, despite the power of Incubency, worked very hard to win the election, reaching out to people to join him even to the very last minute.

“I can say with all sense of responsibility that we put in our best into the exercise in terms of reaching out to the grass roots, but then, the unexpected jolted the process.

“Despite the removal of our names, some of our supporters still voted for the Labour Party. To this set of people, I say thank you. To our original teaming supporters who were part of the process till the point of our names being removed, I also say thank you.

“Without prejudice to any course of action that may be taken by any interested party on the outcome of the process, I urge Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, the man who has been declared winner by INEC, to use this opportunity as a tool of service to God and the people of Ondo State in good conscience.

“I do hope and pray that vote trading will become a thing of the past in our electoral system. There is no gainssaying the fact that the show of naira force that was at play in this election decided where the pendulum of victory swung.

“I would have been happier if this victory was won without the vote bazaar that characterised it. So long as vote buying remains the decider of election results in our clime, accountable and good governance may continue to elude us. Leaders should hold their victory to the benevolence and judgement of the people and not to how deep their pockets are.”

He urged other candidates in the election to avoid the usual circus of not accepting the result of election and heading to the Election Tribunal.

“Much as that is a fundamental right of any and every citizen, this election was won by Ayedatiwa, the man who had more financial capacity to show. Any court case now may be an unnecessary distraction.”

To the winner of the poll, Awude stated that “Let me say once again that the only way Ayedatiwa can justify what he has now is to use it to work for the people of Ondo State and not to delve into the arena of fighting perceived enemies and acquiring ungodly wealth.

“He should look beyond the borders of party politics and enlist the best hands to work with him. The time to work for our people is here. In spite of the Nigerian heat, Ondo State can be a Goshen.”

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